Boise City vs Boise: Civil Engineer Salary (2026)
Compare civil engineer salaries between Boise City, ID and Boise, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Boise, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $102,127 | $103,684▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $49.10 | $49.85▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $74,540▲ | $64,138 |
| 25th Percentile | $81,683▲ | $77,460 |
| 75th Percentile | $113,006 | $132,716▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $139,433 | $160,710▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,610▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Boise, ID offers better overall compensation for civil engineers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise City.
The salary gap between Boise City and Boise is $1,557 (1.52%). Boise's median is +0.19% compared to the US national median of $103,492.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $64,893,Boise spans $96,572. Boise has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced civil engineers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boise ($108,797 effective) pays 4.82% more than Boise City ($103,797 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,610 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Boise if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($103,684/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($160,710)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $108,797)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, civil engineer salaries in Boise City grew 26.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.3% growth in Boise over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$78,700 (2019) → $99,510 (2025)
Boise, ID
$83,966 (2024) → $101,027 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays civil engineers more: Boise City or Boise?
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Written by Jordan Chen, P.E.
Career Analyst
Jordan Chen has 10 years of experience in structural engineering. He works primarily in urban infrastructure projects.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.63% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Chen, P.E., a licensed civil engineer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov